Contributed by Sally Barnes
MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! – is a Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. annual holiday pie fundraiser. The community is asked to purchase pies which have been donated by local bakeries or purchased with sponsorship funds. The fundraiser encourages donors to purchase pies for their families, co-workers, or employees. They may also purchase a pie to be donated to a senior toenjoy with their Thanksgiving meal.
The goal is to ensure every senior in our program receives a slice of pie with their Thanksgiving meal. In addition to selling pies, we also have an online auction and sponsorship opportunities. The proceeds from the annual MY-O-MY IT’S PIE! event support the programs that enable Seniors in the Mat-Su Valley to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
Over the past several years we have seen a rapid growth in the number of seniors needing our services. In 2022 WASI served 133,079 meals which consisted of Meals on Wheels, To-Go and Congregate meals to 1,112 seniors. In comparison in 2020 we served 85,096. With the prices of food and gas going up it has become more challenging than ever before to deliver the services seniors need.
WASI provides a variety of services to the senior community in the Mat-Su Valley our service area encompasses Wasilla, Meadow Lakes, Houston, Big Lake, and the Willow area.
Our Nutrition Program, one of our main services, includes Congregate and To-go meals at the Wasilla Center and the Mid-Valley Center in Houston, AK. Meals are served Monday - Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The daily congregate meal not only provides a nutritious meal but also promotes socialization and reduces senior isolation. The Meals on Wheels Program provides seven meals each week to homebound seniors, delivered Monday through Friday.
Our Mid-Valley Senior Center, in Houston Alaska provided 3,327 congregate meals in 2022. The number of seniors that are currently receiving support services at Mid-Valley are steadily increasing in comparison to previous years, and we are now offering exercise classes, activities, a computer lab, and will soon be adding Adult Day Services at the site.
WASI also provide meals and services to Knik Tribal Council, Inc. to Alaskan Native, American Indian and Native Hawaiian elders living in the Mat-Su Valley. In 2022 we served 17,835 meals to Knik elders. To help those who lack transportation WASI provides transportation at lunch time for seniors who want to come to eat at the Wasilla center and provides essential rides to medical appointments, senior shopping, and prescription pick-up.
In addition, WASI also provides senior housing at both market rate and low income; in-home chore services, respite care, and case management; exercise equipment in our Club50 gym as well as group classes both in person and virtually at Club50 and satellite sites throughout the valley; health promotion disease prevention; computer lab & library; gardening program; chaplain services; mobility equipment loan, food box pick-up, volunteer engagement opportunities; information & referral services; and various other services throughout the year of interest to seniors such as health fairs, and AARP tax prep.
For more information or opportunities about this event to help with our mission please contact Julie Lugdon at 907-206-8799 or email at juliel@alaskaseniors.com.